Viral Hepatitis Flashcards
What does Surface antigen (HBsAg) show?
An active infection
What does E antigen (HBeAg) show?
Marker of viral replication and implies high infectivity
What do core antibodies (HBcAB) show?
Implies past or current infection
What does surface antibody (HBsAb) show?
Implies vaccination or past or current infection
What does Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) show?
This is a direct count of the viral load
What is an incubation period?
The time from the moment of exposure to an infectious agent until signs and symptoms of the disease appear
What does IgM indicate?
Acute infection
What does IgG indicate?
Previous infection or memory
What does the development of Hepatitis A look like?
Either recover (most common) or have fulminant hepatitis (1-2%)
- Hepatitis A and E cause AcutE hepatitis
How is Hepatitis A spread?
- Faeco-oral
- Shellfish
Where is Hepatitis A most prevalent?
- Endemic in Africa and S America
Common in Children
What is the serology for Hepatitis A?
- Hepatitis A viral RNA appears in stool after 1 week
- Transaminases rise 22-40 days after exposure
- IgM rises from day 25
- IgG detectable for life
What is the preventative treatment for Hepatitis A?
- Vaccination
1st dose: 1yr immunity
2nd dose: 20yr immunity
Can hepatitis A be treated?
Usually doesn’t need treatment as is self-limiting
What is the incubation period for Hepatitis A?
2-6 weeks